Value Engineering (VE) (Evelyn Colon)

Federal, State and local highway agencies are responsible for getting the best overall project value for the taxpayer. Applying the Value Engineer (VE) process can help them achieve this purpose. A Value Engineer analysis can be defined as the systematic process of reviewing and assessing a project, during the planning and design phases, by a multidisciplinary team not directly involved in the planning and design phases of the project. The VE analysis is conducted to provide recommendations for providing the needed functions, considering all aspects of the project, improving the value and quality of the project and reducing the time to develop and deliver the project. On February 14, 1997, the FHWA published its VE regulations in 23 CFR 627 formally establishing the FHWA VE Program along with the requirement that State Transportation Agencies (STA's) create and sustain a VE Program. Section 1503(a) (3) of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21), made some significant changes to the types of projects requiring a VE analysis. The changes to applicable projects include:

• Projects on the National Highway System (NHS) receiving Federal assistance with an estimated total cost of $50,000,000 or more;
• Bridge projects on the NHS receiving Federal assistance with an estimated total cost of $40,000,000 or more; and
• VE analysis is no longer required for projects delivered using the design/build method of construction.

More information can be found at FHWA Value Engineering Program.